.s. missioninbenghazi, libya.even though the administration initially and repeatedly denied that assault was terrorism, it was at the same time working with the assumption that it was just that. in the investigation that we hear is ongoing, not a single f.b.i. agent has been to the consulate on benghazi, because of security concerns. those are just some of the new and shocking information we have for you tonight on the rapidly evolving story. here is chief intelligence correspondent catherine herridge. >> reporter: two sources tell fox news that within 24 hours of the assault on the u.s. compound in benghazi, the evidence pointed to a terrorist attack carried out by al-qaeda. the u.s. intelligence community had strong leads to indicate the affiliate in north africa, working with a second group that ceased to establish islamic state. "no one believes that mortars and the rpgs were work of mob. no one. " >> it was a terrorist attack. >> reporter: asked when he reached the conclusion the defense secretary was vague. >> day after, or -- >> it took a while to really get the feedback from what